Vue optique #2 - Le jardin de Vauxhall c.1770

Vues optiques were all the rage in Europe from around 1740 until the first decade of the 19th century. They were strictly-drawn perspective engravings, hand-coloured, showing famous landscapes or monuments or interiors of the time. Whilst they could be viewed as-is, they were specifically created to be used with one of two special viewers, either called a boîte optique, or a zograscope, which resembled a large lens with a mirror mounted on a stand. When viewed through one of these contraptions, the carefully-thought-out perspective view would take on a three-dimensional view, with a foreground and little figures coming to the front whilst the central vanishing-point appeared off in the distance.

This vue dates from around 1760-70 and is of the Gardens of Vauxhall in London. It makes me yearn for the days when walking sedately around a large green space in difficult clothes was considered a wild afternoon outing. It is in perfect condition for its age, and measures 31x44cm.

Please click on the photos to open them up full-sized.

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